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Your Mekong adventure begins with a visit to bustling Saigon, where you spend time exploring the city and visiting the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.

From here, board the beautiful Jayavarman Boat, which combines old-fashioned elegance with modern comfort. You’ll cruise along the Mekong where you get insight into the lives of the people who live along the banks and on the river. Highlights of the river cruise include Sa Dec, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, and Tonle Sap Lake. Along the way, you’ll meet villagers, explore markets, learn the arts of silk weaving and pottery, climb ruins, and more.

Disembark in Siem Reap, where you spend your final three days visiting the ancient ruins of the Angkor period.

Your Mekong adventure begins with a visit to bustling Saigon, where you spend time exploring the city and visiting the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.

From here, board the beautiful Jayavarman Boat, which combines old-fashioned elegance with modern comfort. You’ll cruise along the Mekong where you get insight into the lives of the people who live along the banks and on the river. Highlights of the river cruise include Sa Dec, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, and Tonle Sap Lake. Along the way, you’ll meet villagers, explore markets, learn the arts of silk weaving and pottery, climb ruins, and more.

Disembark in Siem Reap, where you spend your final three days visiting the ancient ruins of the Angkor period.

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Our guide in Siem Reap was excellent. He navigated the crowds at the temples very well, managing to keep us out of them. He was also educational, giving us the right amount of information at the right times.Zona S.

Itinerary

ADay 1Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

On arrival at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll meet your local guide who will assist with your transfer to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of the day is yours free to relax and begin your adjustment to the local time zone.

Meals

None

Lodging

Sofitel Saigon Plaza or similar

BDay 2Cu Chi Tunnels & Historical Sites

Head out of town with your guide to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network of tunnels (approx. 200 km / 125 mi) dug initially by the Viet Minh, and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodations, and schools. They were used extensively for refuge and storage, and also as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what life underground must have been like.

After, return to Ho Chi Minh City where you spend the afternoon exploring Saigon’s historic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace and its striking modern architecture, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. This visit allows you to admire many French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

In the evening, you’ll witness the AO cultural show, a unique art performance combining music and acrobatics. The performers use props including bamboo poles, baskets, and juggling balls in the choreography.

*Note the AO show is scheduled on specific days of the month only. If the show is not available during your travel dates, we will arrange a visit to the home of famous husband-wife musicians with a traditional music performance instead.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Sofitel Saigon Plaza or similar

CDay 3Mekong River Cruise

You’ll have some free time in the morning before your transfer to the pier in My Tho (45 mi) where you board the lovely Jayavarman boat for a luxurious cruise through the Mekong Delta and along the Mekong River to Cambodia. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a briefing on the cruise. This will be followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

The majestic Jayavarman is considered the father of the Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships. It was named after Angkor’s most venerated king, a devout Buddhist who ruled from 1181-1218. The Jayavarman combines the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. With its intricate woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs, and Vietnamese lacquer paintings, this beautiful ship resembles a floating art gallery. The boat will drop anchor for the night near Cai Be.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

DDay 4Mekong Delta

Today and every day on your cruise, you can start your day with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck, just as the sun begins to rise, followed by a lovely cup of coffee or tea. After a hearty buffet breakfast, board a traditional sampan (a flat-bottomed traditional Vietnamese wooden boat) to Cai Be’s boisterous and colorful floating market.

During the leisurely ride, discover breathtaking landscapes along the river and take in the rustic life on the Mekong Delta. The boat will make frequent stops to allow you to observe how rice paste, rice cookies, and coconut candies are made, along with the longan fruit drying process. After touring the canals, you’ll visit an ancient house surrounded by fruit orchards before returning to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, the cruise continues on to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, you’ll board a sampan to Binh Thanh Island and its manmade canals. Here, every villager is involved in the process of growing and processing water hyacinths into natural fiber floor mats and rattan baskets. You’ll return to the Ship for a tranquil evening cruise towards Chau Doc, where the ship will drop anchor.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

EDay 5Chau Doc / Cambodia

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast in the dining hall or the quiet sanctuary of your balcony. Get ready for a short excursion in Chau Doc, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer communities. You also visit the colorful local market near an ancient temple, followed by a trip to the quay where you take a small boat to the floating villages and rustic catfish farms to learn about Basa fish breeding in the Mekong Delta.

Return to the ship for lunch and some leisure time, or if you’d prefer, sharpen your culinary skills with a hands-on cooking lesson or tour the ship with the Cruise Director. Better yet, do all three!

“The Highway Blues” beckons as you float into a state of mild bliss caused by the hypnotic murmur of the ship’s engine. By mid-afternoon, the cruise liner will make its way to the border for Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

FDay 6Phnom Penh

After breakfast, you will be captivated by a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. This will be followed by a city tour of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, which was once considered the “Pearl of Asia” and the most charming of the French-built cities in Asia. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. This dynamic, historical city has managed to preserve much of its French colonial allure. Visit the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Field in town. Be prepared to be heart-wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime.

You’ll then return to the ship where you’ll take a rest on your cabin balcony or in the lounge and prepare for an exciting evening event, which begins with a variety of cocktails served on the sundeck followed by a delightful Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of this culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a barbeque on the sundeck. This is a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open with the stars and the moon as your companions.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

GDay 7Kampong Cham

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: Today you depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh, with a stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village. You will have the opportunity to watch the villagers weave the silk into scarves and other items that you can purchase if you like. There is also an interesting Buddhist temple and a monastery where a few young monks reside within the village.

You then return to the ship and once again head down the Mekong, cruising past tranquil villages as you watch life along the river and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats. You’ll disembark so you can spend time exploring the rural village of Angkor Ban, where time seems to standstill. You’ll be transported back a hundred years into an era unspoiled by the modern world. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, you will feel overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the villagers. If you like, you can take part in daily activities in order to experience village life first hand.

Return to the ship and continue cruising towards Kampong Cham where the ship anchors for the night.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: The boat sets sail early this morning to Kampong Chnang while you have breakfast. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, this town is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake and is famous for its pottery. The pottery methods they use have been unchanged for many centuries, and this area supplies the entire country with pottery. In addition, the area is known for producing products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm), a mellow tasting caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.

You’ll then take a motorboat excursion and a short bus ride to Aundaung Russey Village to see Khmer-style pottery, then take a motorboat excursion through the wetlands to see floating houses and fish farms.

Return to the ship and cruise toward Prek K’dam where you disembark and take a walk through the silversmith village of Koh Chen, where the entire community of villagers are involved in the making of silver items. You can even purchase some of these items.

Return to the ship and dock near Phnom Penh.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

HDay 8Temples and Orphanage

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: This morning, you’ll embark on a land excursion to the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey. You can either take a motor-taxi to the top or climb the 291 steps. Once at the top of the hill overlooking the river, you’ll experience the most breathtaking views in Cambodia. Wat Hanchey was built during the Chenla Empire, pre-dating the mighty Angkor temple complex. While exploring the temple, you may have the opportunity to chat with the monks in the area.

Return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad monks. When the tide allows, you will enjoy a surprise excursion in your zodiac (inflatable boat) to the nearby riverbank for the opportunity to swim in the Mekong River, an experience that will perhaps dominate the dinner conversation in the weeks to come.

The cruise will then continue on to Wat Nokor, the largest temple complex in the Kampong Cham Province. A unique feature of this temple is that it is built of black sandstone instead of the more common red sandstone or brick of other temple complexes.

On the return to the ship, stop to visit an orphanage that is across a one-mile bamboo bridge. The children of the orphanage are generally from the Mekong region, most of whom have been placed here because their families could not afford to keep them. The children are provided an education and skills that will help them become successful adults. Donations are always welcome.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: Today you depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh, with a stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village. You will have the opportunity to watch the villagers weave the silk into scarves and other items that you can purchase if you like. There is also an interesting Buddhist temple and a monastery where a few young monks reside within the village.

You then return to the ship and once again head down the Mekong, cruising past tranquil villages as you watch life along the river and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats. You’ll disembark so you can spend time exploring the rural village of Angkor Ban, where time seems to standstill. You’ll be transported back a hundred years into an era unspoiled by the modern world. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, you will feel overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the villagers. If you like, you can take part in daily activities in order to experience village life first hand.

Return to the ship and continue cruising towards Kampong Cham where the ship anchors for the night.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

IDay 9Kampong Chnang and Tonle Sap Lake

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: The boat sets sail early this morning to Kampong Chnang while you have breakfast. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, this town is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake and is famous for its pottery. The pottery methods they use have been unchanged for many centuries, and this area supplies the entire country with pottery. In addition, the area is known for producing products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm), a mellow tasting caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.

You’ll then take a motorboat excursion and a short bus ride to Aundaung Russey Village to see Khmer-style pottery, then take a motorboat excursion through the wetlands to see floating houses and fish farms.

You’ll return to the boat, which drops anchor nearby, where you’ll put on your dance shoes and head to the lounge for music and dancing.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: This morning, you’ll embark on a land excursion to the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey. You can either take a motor-taxi to the top or climb the 291 steps. Once at the top of the hill overlooking the river, you’ll experience the most breathtaking views in Cambodia. Wat Hanchey was built during the Chenla Empire, pre-dating the mighty Angkor temple complex. While exploring the temple, you may have the opportunity to chat with the monks in the area.

Return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad monks. When the tide allows, you will enjoy a surprise excursion in your zodiac (inflatable boat) to the nearby riverbank for the opportunity to swim in the Mekong River, an experience that will perhaps dominate the dinner conversation in the weeks to come.

The cruise will then continue on to Wat Nokor, the largest temple complex in the Kampong Cham Province. A unique feature of this temple is that it is built of black sandstone instead of the more common red sandstone or brick of other temple complexes.

On the return to the ship, stop to visit an orphanage, across a one-mile bamboo bridge. The children of the orphanage are generally from the Mekong region, most of whom have been placed here because their families could not afford to keep them. The children are provided an education and skills that will help them become successful adults. Donations are always welcome.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

JDay 10Arrive Siem Reap

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: You’ll sail across Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Enjoy the quiet tranquility and stillness of the water as you make your way to Siem Reap. You’ll say good-bye to the boat crew and meet up with your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: After breakfast, you’ll disembark from the ship and board a coach bus around 9:00 am and transfer to Kampong Cham to Siem Reap where you meet your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap. Along the way, make a brief stop at Skon, known as “Spiderville” for its fried spiders, a delicacy in this country.

NOTE: Water levels vary according to the time of year and amount of rainfall. Minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different times of the year or due to weather conditions.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritage Suites or similar

KDay 11Angkor Wat / Ta Prohm

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you out on a tour to discover the famous temple of Angkor Wat. This temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art and features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, running along the outer gallery walls and narrating stories from Hindu mythology.

Continue on by private vehicle (or even cow-cart) to a remote, rarely-visited and untouched temple where a picnic lunch is set up. After lunch, relax under the trees with a soothing foot massage before heading out for the afternoon’s activities.

Your afternoon excursions include the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery “Jungle Temple,” where immense roots have taken hold of the stones. Here you’ll find some beautifully sculpted Devatas and an atmosphere that is unique and completely befitting to this temple. Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is yours.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging

Heritage Suites or similar

LDay 12Angkor Temples

In the morning, you’ll visit the 10th-century temple, Banteay Srei, “the jewel of Khmer art.” This small pink sandstone temple, also known as “the Citadel of Women,” contains some remarkable carved lintels in very good condition.

Continue on with a visit to the Preah Khan Temple, built by Jayavarman VII in 1191 to honor his father. Of the same era is Neak Pean, an artificial island known as the “entwined serpents.” The large central basin is linked to four smaller ones, representing the four great rivers emerging from the earth’s four cardinal points. Of particular interest is the superb statue of Balaha, which represents the legendary savior of shipwrecked boats.

In the afternoon, visit the great city of Angkor Thom, beginning at the southern gate’s famous Bayon temple, built in the 12th century and dedicated to Buddhism. Bayon comprises 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Next, visit the 1150-foot long Elephant Terrace, used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and a base for the King’s grand audience hall, followed by the 12th-century Terrace of the Leper King, which represents many of the city’s most admired Apsara sculptures.

Return to the hotel for your overnight.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritage Suites or similar

MDay 13Depart Siem Reap

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Or, perhaps add on a few days relaxing on the beach at Sihanoukville or one of Thailand’s many beautiful beaches. Check-out time from the hotel is 12:00 pm.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Itinerary

ADay 1Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

On arrival at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll meet your local guide who will assist with your transfer to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of the day is yours free to relax and begin your adjustment to the local time zone.

Meals

None

Lodging

Sofitel Saigon Plaza or similar

BDay 2Cu Chi Tunnels & Historical Sites

Head out of town with your guide to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network of tunnels (approx. 200 km / 125 mi) dug initially by the Viet Minh, and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodations, and schools. They were used extensively for refuge and storage, and also as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what life underground must have been like.

After, return to Ho Chi Minh City where you spend the afternoon exploring Saigon’s historic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace and its striking modern architecture, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. This visit allows you to admire many French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

In the evening, you’ll witness the AO cultural show, a unique art performance combining music and acrobatics. The performers use props including bamboo poles, baskets, and juggling balls in the choreography.

*Note the AO show is scheduled on specific days of the month only. If the show is not available during your travel dates, we will arrange a visit to the home of famous husband-wife musicians with a traditional music performance instead.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Sofitel Saigon Plaza or similar

CDay 3Mekong River Cruise

You’ll have some free time in the morning before your transfer to the pier in My Tho (45 mi) where you board the lovely Jayavarman boat for a luxurious cruise through the Mekong Delta and along the Mekong River to Cambodia. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a briefing on the cruise. This will be followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

The majestic Jayavarman is considered the father of the Heritage Line’s “family” of cruise ships. It was named after Angkor’s most venerated king, a devout Buddhist who ruled from 1181-1218. The Jayavarman combines the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. With its intricate woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs, and Vietnamese lacquer paintings, this beautiful ship resembles a floating art gallery. The boat will drop anchor for the night near Cai Be.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

DDay 4Mekong Delta

Today and every day on your cruise, you can start your day with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck, just as the sun begins to rise, followed by a lovely cup of coffee or tea. After a hearty buffet breakfast, board a traditional sampan (a flat-bottomed traditional Vietnamese wooden boat) to Cai Be’s boisterous and colorful floating market.

During the leisurely ride, discover breathtaking landscapes along the river and take in the rustic life on the Mekong Delta. The boat will make frequent stops to allow you to observe how rice paste, rice cookies, and coconut candies are made, along with the longan fruit drying process. After touring the canals, you’ll visit an ancient house surrounded by fruit orchards before returning to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, the cruise continues on to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, you’ll board a sampan to Binh Thanh Island and its manmade canals. Here, every villager is involved in the process of growing and processing water hyacinths into natural fiber floor mats and rattan baskets. You’ll return to the Ship for a tranquil evening cruise towards Chau Doc, where the ship will drop anchor.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

EDay 5Chau Doc / Cambodia

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast in the dining hall or the quiet sanctuary of your balcony. Get ready for a short excursion in Chau Doc, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer communities. You also visit the colorful local market near an ancient temple, followed by a trip to the quay where you take a small boat to the floating villages and rustic catfish farms to learn about Basa fish breeding in the Mekong Delta.

Return to the ship for lunch and some leisure time, or if you’d prefer, sharpen your culinary skills with a hands-on cooking lesson or tour the ship with the Cruise Director. Better yet, do all three!

“The Highway Blues” beckons as you float into a state of mild bliss caused by the hypnotic murmur of the ship’s engine. By mid-afternoon, the cruise liner will make its way to the border for Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

FDay 6Phnom Penh

After breakfast, you will be captivated by a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. This will be followed by a city tour of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, which was once considered the “Pearl of Asia” and the most charming of the French-built cities in Asia. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. This dynamic, historical city has managed to preserve much of its French colonial allure. Visit the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Field in town. Be prepared to be heart-wrenched by this stark reminder of the genocide that transpired during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime.

You’ll then return to the ship where you’ll take a rest on your cabin balcony or in the lounge and prepare for an exciting evening event, which begins with a variety of cocktails served on the sundeck followed by a delightful Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of this culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a barbeque on the sundeck. This is a truly marvelous experience, dining in the open with the stars and the moon as your companions.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

GDay 7Kampong Cham

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: Today you depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh, with a stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village. You will have the opportunity to watch the villagers weave the silk into scarves and other items that you can purchase if you like. There is also an interesting Buddhist temple and a monastery where a few young monks reside within the village.

You then return to the ship and once again head down the Mekong, cruising past tranquil villages as you watch life along the river and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats. You’ll disembark so you can spend time exploring the rural village of Angkor Ban, where time seems to standstill. You’ll be transported back a hundred years into an era unspoiled by the modern world. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, you will feel overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the villagers. If you like, you can take part in daily activities in order to experience village life first hand.

Return to the ship and continue cruising towards Kampong Cham where the ship anchors for the night.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: The boat sets sail early this morning to Kampong Chnang while you have breakfast. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, this town is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake and is famous for its pottery. The pottery methods they use have been unchanged for many centuries, and this area supplies the entire country with pottery. In addition, the area is known for producing products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm), a mellow tasting caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.

You’ll then take a motorboat excursion and a short bus ride to Aundaung Russey Village to see Khmer-style pottery, then take a motorboat excursion through the wetlands to see floating houses and fish farms.

Return to the ship and cruise toward Prek K’dam where you disembark and take a walk through the silversmith village of Koh Chen, where the entire community of villagers are involved in the making of silver items. You can even purchase some of these items.

Return to the ship and dock near Phnom Penh.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

HDay 8Temples and Orphanage

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: This morning, you’ll embark on a land excursion to the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey. You can either take a motor-taxi to the top or climb the 291 steps. Once at the top of the hill overlooking the river, you’ll experience the most breathtaking views in Cambodia. Wat Hanchey was built during the Chenla Empire, pre-dating the mighty Angkor temple complex. While exploring the temple, you may have the opportunity to chat with the monks in the area.

Return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad monks. When the tide allows, you will enjoy a surprise excursion in your zodiac (inflatable boat) to the nearby riverbank for the opportunity to swim in the Mekong River, an experience that will perhaps dominate the dinner conversation in the weeks to come.

The cruise will then continue on to Wat Nokor, the largest temple complex in the Kampong Cham Province. A unique feature of this temple is that it is built of black sandstone instead of the more common red sandstone or brick of other temple complexes.

On the return to the ship, stop to visit an orphanage that is across a one-mile bamboo bridge. The children of the orphanage are generally from the Mekong region, most of whom have been placed here because their families could not afford to keep them. The children are provided an education and skills that will help them become successful adults. Donations are always welcome.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: Today you depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh, with a stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village. You will have the opportunity to watch the villagers weave the silk into scarves and other items that you can purchase if you like. There is also an interesting Buddhist temple and a monastery where a few young monks reside within the village.

You then return to the ship and once again head down the Mekong, cruising past tranquil villages as you watch life along the river and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats. You’ll disembark so you can spend time exploring the rural village of Angkor Ban, where time seems to standstill. You’ll be transported back a hundred years into an era unspoiled by the modern world. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, you will feel overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the villagers. If you like, you can take part in daily activities in order to experience village life first hand.

Return to the ship and continue cruising towards Kampong Cham where the ship anchors for the night.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

IDay 9Kampong Chnang and Tonle Sap Lake

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: The boat sets sail early this morning to Kampong Chnang while you have breakfast. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, this town is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake and is famous for its pottery. The pottery methods they use have been unchanged for many centuries, and this area supplies the entire country with pottery. In addition, the area is known for producing products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm), a mellow tasting caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.

You’ll then take a motorboat excursion and a short bus ride to Aundaung Russey Village to see Khmer-style pottery, then take a motorboat excursion through the wetlands to see floating houses and fish farms.

You’ll return to the boat, which drops anchor nearby, where you’ll put on your dance shoes and head to the lounge for music and dancing.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: This morning, you’ll embark on a land excursion to the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey. You can either take a motor-taxi to the top or climb the 291 steps. Once at the top of the hill overlooking the river, you’ll experience the most breathtaking views in Cambodia. Wat Hanchey was built during the Chenla Empire, pre-dating the mighty Angkor temple complex. While exploring the temple, you may have the opportunity to chat with the monks in the area.

Return to the ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad monks. When the tide allows, you will enjoy a surprise excursion in your zodiac (inflatable boat) to the nearby riverbank for the opportunity to swim in the Mekong River, an experience that will perhaps dominate the dinner conversation in the weeks to come.

The cruise will then continue on to Wat Nokor, the largest temple complex in the Kampong Cham Province. A unique feature of this temple is that it is built of black sandstone instead of the more common red sandstone or brick of other temple complexes.

On the return to the ship, stop to visit an orphanage, across a one-mile bamboo bridge. The children of the orphanage are generally from the Mekong region, most of whom have been placed here because their families could not afford to keep them. The children are provided an education and skills that will help them become successful adults. Donations are always welcome.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging

Jayavarman Cruise Ship or similar

JDay 10Arrive Siem Reap

HIGH WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: You’ll sail across Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Enjoy the quiet tranquility and stillness of the water as you make your way to Siem Reap. You’ll say good-bye to the boat crew and meet up with your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap.

LOW WATER SEASON SCHEDULE: After breakfast, you’ll disembark from the ship and board a coach bus around 9:00 am and transfer to Kampong Cham to Siem Reap where you meet your local guide who will assist with the transfer to your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap. Along the way, make a brief stop at Skon, known as “Spiderville” for its fried spiders, a delicacy in this country.

NOTE: Water levels vary according to the time of year and amount of rainfall. Minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different times of the year or due to weather conditions.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritage Suites or similar

KDay 11Angkor Wat / Ta Prohm

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you out on a tour to discover the famous temple of Angkor Wat. This temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art and features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, running along the outer gallery walls and narrating stories from Hindu mythology.

Continue on by private vehicle (or even cow-cart) to a remote, rarely-visited and untouched temple where a picnic lunch is set up. After lunch, relax under the trees with a soothing foot massage before heading out for the afternoon’s activities.

Your afternoon excursions include the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery “Jungle Temple,” where immense roots have taken hold of the stones. Here you’ll find some beautifully sculpted Devatas and an atmosphere that is unique and completely befitting to this temple. Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is yours.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging

Heritage Suites or similar

LDay 12Angkor Temples

In the morning, you’ll visit the 10th-century temple, Banteay Srei, “the jewel of Khmer art.” This small pink sandstone temple, also known as “the Citadel of Women,” contains some remarkable carved lintels in very good condition.

Continue on with a visit to the Preah Khan Temple, built by Jayavarman VII in 1191 to honor his father. Of the same era is Neak Pean, an artificial island known as the “entwined serpents.” The large central basin is linked to four smaller ones, representing the four great rivers emerging from the earth’s four cardinal points. Of particular interest is the superb statue of Balaha, which represents the legendary savior of shipwrecked boats.

In the afternoon, visit the great city of Angkor Thom, beginning at the southern gate’s famous Bayon temple, built in the 12th century and dedicated to Buddhism. Bayon comprises 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Next, visit the 1150-foot long Elephant Terrace, used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and a base for the King’s grand audience hall, followed by the 12th-century Terrace of the Leper King, which represents many of the city’s most admired Apsara sculptures.

Return to the hotel for your overnight.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritage Suites or similar

MDay 13Depart Siem Reap

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Or, perhaps add on a few days relaxing on the beach at Sihanoukville or one of Thailand’s many beautiful beaches. Check-out time from the hotel is 12:00 pm.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

None

Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.

Rates Per Person

Need to Know

Rates Per Person - 2019

Land Cost (June - September)

$5,400

Land Cost (October - March)

$6,450

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+ $2,000

Additional costs apply during the Christmas & New Year Holiday (Dec 20-Jan 9), Vietnamese New Year (Jan/Feb), Khmer New Year (Apr 13 or 14), Independence Day (Apr 30), May Day (May 1), and National Day (Sep 2). Please contact us for further details.

Need to Know

This trip operates as a custom adventure around frequently scheduled cruise departures. Your activities before and after the cruise can be fully customized, but on the actual cruise you will be joining other people and following a set itinerary. The boat is not available May through mid-July for annual maintenance.

Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.

Expenses covered

Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.

Expenses not covered

Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.

Deposit* and payment schedule: 25% of the land cost per person or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. A second deposit of $1000 per person is due four months prior to departure, and final payment for land arrangements is due 75 days prior to departure. Any applicable permit fees required in advance are non-refundable as well. All payments are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due dates. All payments may be made by Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted on our website, and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.

*HOLIDAY departures may require an additional deposit.

Additional cancellation fees

Cancellations that occur between 61-90 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation fee that is 50% of the land cost, and cancellations 31-60 days prior will be subject to a 75% cancellation fee. Cancellations between 0-30 days are 100% NON-REFUNDABLE. All payments are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due dates.

Airfare

We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.

Insurance

When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Itinerary Change Fee

There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

Duration 13 Days

The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost. The total number of days includes the time required to travel between the USA and the destination country.

Group Size 2 - 12

Journeys groups include 2 to 12 people. The boat sleeps up to 54, and guests from other groups may be on the boat while our group is sailing.

Comfort Level

Deluxe

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Luxury passenger boat to 5-star hotels

Activity Level

Gentle

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Easy Walking

Why Journeys International

Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.

We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.

We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.

We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.

Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?

Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world

Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades

Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is

We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)

We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)

We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU

Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities

Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip

Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages

We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.

24-hour emergency phone support while traveling

We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously

Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too

Superior

Deluxe

Uncommon

The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.

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Single Supplement

The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.